6 Ways to Have a Flourishing and Loving Relationship

Relationships are one of the most effective ways to begin flourishing and having more positivity in life.

The people we surround ourselves with have a major influence on our emotions, feeling, and behavior, so doing everything we can to make these relationships warm and caring is crucial for our well-being.

Ultimately we’re only in control of ourselves, and by working on following the below guidelines we can have a much more positive and loving relationship.

Be kind and caring – What nice gesture have you done for your partner lately? Making efforts to do favors and unexpected good deeds can be a wonderful way to show you care and value someone. It shows respect and love when we are considerate and thinking of others. What random act of kindness can you do to brighten your loved ones day?

Be consistent – Do people know what to expect from you? It’s very comforting to know what you’re going to get out of someone in regards to behavior and personality. This doesn’t mean never be spontaneous or surprising, but is more about being dependable and reliable as a person. Being emotionally consist and predictable in behavior and attitude provides contentment in good times and reassurance during the bad.

Be emotionally available – Be present and emotionally attentive to the person you care about. This means being willing to talk and share how you feel, as well as taking an interest in in their emotions. Emotional connection comes from being attuned to the other persons feelings and having empathy for what they’re going through. When you are emotionally available there will be more moments of intimacy.

Be physically available – Give your time and be with your loved one’s physically as well as emotionally. We all need affection and personal touch to really connect. Proximity alone can enhance our attraction and attachment to others. Carve out quality time that you can dedicate to spending together.

Be forgiving – Every relationship will run into some problems. Be willing to work on grievances and move forward from conflicts. This is the only way relationships can blossom and further develop. Use conflict as a means to grow closer, and be willing to say sorry when the time is right. Holding on to resentment is never healthy, so have a forgiving heart for your own benefit if nothing else.

Be ready to grow as a person – Relationships in which people make each other better and there is mutual growth are long lasting are truly fulfilling. When you are open-minded and seeking growth and personal development you can become the person you really want to be and reflect this in your relationship. Be willing to learn and make changes to better yourself, and push beyond your comfort zone to grow as a person.

Fostering healthy and loving relationships starts with you. The more love and caring we put into our relationships the more love we can get in return.

We must work on ourselves first in order to have more positive interpersonal relationships, and once we have a solid personal foundation, flourishing and loving relationships will follow.

Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 8 May 2011 Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.

About Joe Wilner

Joe is a life-transition coach and a Licensed Master Level Psychologist (LMLP) in the state of Kansas. He is the creator and editor of the personal development blog Shake off the Grind which provides digital content, coaching, and products to help people with personal growth, emotional wellness, and spiritual development. He is also an advisory board member for the American Institute of Health Care Professionals (AIHCP) and is a certified meditation instructor.